At 6’1 195, Parker doesn’t possess the prototypical pitcher’s frame. What he does possess is an athletic delivery, electric, top of the rotation caliber “stuff” and a deep repertoire of pitches. The former 2007 1st round selection sits comfortably at 92-93 MPH with his four-seam fastball, with 96-97 also available in his tool bag when a higher gear is required. He also offers a groundball inducing two-seam heater in the low 90’s.

His off-speed and breaking pitches aren’t finished products, but all have high ceiling potential. Parker utilized his change-up with greater frequency following surgery, and he’s turned a once questionable offering into a weapon against both right-handed and left-handed bats. He’s toned down the usage of his slider to take stress off his elbow, but it remains a devastating swing-and-miss pitch when he does throw it. His curve is also a potential plus-plus pitch with refinement, as its depth and break pass the eye test with flying colors.

As mentioned at the outset, command and consistency are the only obstacles preventing the ascension of Parker. He issued 55 walks in 130 2/3 innings in the minors last season (112 K), and his 13 free passes in 11 innings this spring (7 BB in 3 2/3 IP in his final outing) cost him what had been a legitimate chance to break camp with the team. Nevertheless, he will make his second career start on Wednesday, with wannabe baseball scouts and fantasy aficionados observing with ferocious intent. This is not a temporary call-up by any means. Success or failure, Parker is here to stay.

Fantasy Outlook

Parker’s arm has never been a topic of debate, but his overwhelming “stuff” has not always translated into overwhelming results. He’s made three full starts in 2012 (PCL), allowing 21 hits in 18 innings with 17 strikeouts. While he’s been effective at every level, the mediocre strikeout figures don’t necessarily equate. Those figures are buttressed, however, by strong groundball tendencies. It would be a pleasure to see him rev it up against top competition and blossom into the true power pitcher most expect. Using him against patient lineups in the early going is a recipe for agita (or at the very least an inflated WHIP). Monitor his progress, but if he’s available in your league that’s a low risk/high reward no brainer pickup- in any format.

Written by Adam Ganeles exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com.

 Follow Adam (@AdamGaneles) and The Fantasy Fix on Twitter @thefantasyfix. 

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